The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-16

territory can be bombarded from the Cracow
forts A large quantity of rolling stock has
been accumulated at Cracow adapted for use on
Russian railways.
''All these preparations are meaningless
cept in view of offensive tactics. and show that
Austria, under sem blance of defense, is at the
same time preparing to invade Russia simulta-
neously with her ally. But what is Russia do
Ing IN view of her neighbors threatening prep
ararlonsf Notwithstanding the manifest danger,
Russia considers that European war would be
terrible misfortune TO all mankind. She was
the first who, amid her neghbors feverish arm
aments, did not increase but decrease her defen-
sive forces. In 1881 and 1882 Russia reduced
her peace effective nearly 100000 men. True,
she raised it again in consequences OF the Afghan
affair and the necessity of improving her read
mess to mobilize when her neishbors unremit-
tlpgly raised their fighting strength Neverthe-
less the peace effective of the Russian army is now
20. lS5 less than in 1885, while her neighbors in
The same period, have raised their peace effect
i've 10000. Doubtless Russia, in the event or
war. will assemble mighty army the concen-
tratlon OF which on the frontier will be 1ncom-
parably more difficult for her than will be the
concentration by her neighbors of their forces
at the same place. During the last ten years
2 828 kilometres of railway have been construct
ed in the western provinces of Russia. In the
German and Austrian eastern provinces, during
the same period $500 kilometres have been
built Moreover, the area in which Russia has
constructed railways is twice as large as that IN
which her neigh bors have built such lines. The
Russian railways nowhere pass outside the de-
fensive lines formed by a triangle drawn be-
tween the three cities of St Petersburg War
saw and Odessa. The roads of her neighbors,
on the contrary run in direct line to the Rus.
sian frontier. Built as they are. for the con-
centration of troops, they form a compact net
work of railways in a zone in front of the from
tiers of Russia, and would be wonderfully eff
cient IN time of war. compared to the insignlh-
can't number upon which Russia can rely.
1t is plainly seen, therefore. that Russia
is constantly menaced by rapid in
vasion of her territory on the part
of both Germany and Austria Time, how
ever, forbids Russia to build railways similar to
those of her neighbors. The only course, there
fore, which is left to her is to improve her de-
fenses strengthen her fortresses and to increase
the number of her troops along the frontier,
thereby guarding against surprise. The fact
that Germany and Austria have substantially
increased their military preparations since 1856
compels Russia TO devise some counter-meas-
which will gradually be executed. The
transfer of a few cavalry regiments to the region
of the Vistula might certainly, as has been done,
be made pretsxt to excite the press press
of entertaining warike intentions. Russian
military officials, who, although they do not
fear the ultimate issue of a conflict in which all
the allied forces OF the peace league of Europe
were thrown against Russia, still recognize that
the defense of Russia is not yet assured, and if
the peace alliance considers itself justified in de-
veoping offensive measures SO far as to bring
certain portions of Russia within range of its ost
advanced forts, Russia has the undoubted right
to provide for her defense, and to employ every
measure possible to uphold her honor, and to
maintain the inviolability of her territory.
Public Opinion at Vienna
VIENNA, Dec. 15-The article which appeared
in the St. Petersburg Military Gazette, to-day
on the military movements of Russia and her
neighbors has excited great attention here In
Official circles the opinion is expressed that the
article will cause change in the attitude of
Austria. The government, it is believed, be-
fore taking actively responsive measures of de-
fense, will wait to see whether Russia
continues her threatening military prep
arations. A long interview, during
the week, between Count Kalnoky
aud the German ambassador led to accord be-
tween the two governments on the decisions OF
the Austrian military council. The serious
character of the situation has never been under
estimated in Austrian official circles. The gov
erament has never been unmindful of the duties
wSch the German alliance imposes, and in the
face of the Russian armamenrs the authoritles
have never for q moment been idle; but
the government is anxious to avoid
as long possible, measures capable
of being interpreted by Russia as acts of
provocatlon Preparations are complete for the
dispatch of reinforcements of cavalry to Galicia
in the event of fresh movement of Russian
actively along the line of defense. Timber
which has been lying in readiness since the
spring is being utilized, and accom- cd ations
for reinforcements will soon be provided.
On the Bourse. to-day, prices were weak; home
funds fell off per cent Lembergs and Anglo
Austrian bank were three forms lower. Credit
anstalt declined one form.